NSW: Brogden says 24 gov't boards would go if he was premier

AAP General News (Australia)
04-16-2004
NSW: Brogden says 24 gov't boards would go if he was premier

SYDNEY, April 16 AAP - NSW Opposition leader John Brogden today said he would abolish
at least 24 government boards, including those of RailCorp, Sydney Water and a range of
area health services if he became premier.

Getting rid of the boards would save more than $30 million each year and restore ministerial
accountability in public agencies, Mr Brogden said.

Under the Carr government there are now about 1,000 boards and committees, with more
than 5,000 members, he said.

A NSW Liberal-National coalition government would abolish the boards of RailCorp, State
Transit, Sydney Water, Hunter Water, the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and 17 area
health services.

Mr Brogden said the boards were inefficient and were used by the NSW government to
avoid political responsibility.

"Camden and Campbelltown hospitals are a tragic example of this (and) the board overseeing
these hospitals failed dismally," Mr Brogden said.

"But the board became the means of solving a political crisis. Sack the board and pretend
the problem is fixed.

"No one elected by the people of NSW to represent their interests, that is no Carr
government MP, is prepared to take responsibility."

AAP smb/nf/tma/jlw

KEYWORD: BOARDS

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